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Ahmed Khalifa

@iamahmedkhalifa.com
279 followers 31 following 212 posts

- Founder of Untangli - Building the systems and processes, so your business never needs untangling in the first place. - Edinburgh, UK

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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 06/10/2026
During the earlier days of my career, my jobs revolved mainly around SEO. And now I'm in a different kind of optimisation: BPO, aka business process optimisation. This only came about because I wrote a post what is business process optimisation:
untangli.com
What is business process optimisation? | A beginner's guide
Regardless of how it looks, every business has a process and requires regular business process optimisation (BPO). But what is that?
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 23/09/2026
I saw this screenshot shared round on how Noah Kagan believing that "Notion is cooked", all because Claude now has the ability create and edit interactive documents. He's not really making a detailed reason. Only saying that it's a waste of money to use Notion (and any tools like it) anymore.
Tweet by Noah Kagan: Notion is cooked. Claude quietly launched interactive docs. Tables, adding collaborators, charts, etc. Not sure why people would keep paying extra for Notion AI. Still using Notion? What's keeping you there?
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 16/09/2026
In one office I worked in, the sales team took calls with pen and paper. Financial details included. Some notes made it to the CRM. The rest piled up around the desks. The customers had no idea. They were happy.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 03/09/2026
Most operational messes do not start as messes. They start as a sensible shortcut. Personal bank account, because opening a business one felt like admin. Passwords saved in the browser, because it was quicker. Invoices in Word, because it worked at the time. Processes kept in your head
Headline: 8 operational habits costing small businesses time
1. Personal bank account doing business work
2. Client emails going to a Gmail inbox
3. The same password, reused everywhere
4. Subscriptions nobody opens
5. Invoices written out by hand
6. Processes that live only in your head
7. Accounts you do not actually own
8. No shared view of what is live or due
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 31/08/2026
I'm not one to watch TV series, but I've recently been winding down by watching the medical drama, The Pitt. One episode has a relatable scene about how a new doctor trying to encourage the use of AI within the ER to make things more efficient.
Two doctors from The Pitt TV series are standing outside the Emergency Room, facing each other, and having a conversation. Photo from Warner Bros. Discovery/Official Website.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 21/08/2026
I've learnt this the hard way: busy ≠ productivity. Like when you are jumping from one tab to another, frantically ticking checkboxes on the to-do list, sending emails...it's work, but is it productive? 1/2
Busy is not a business model. A quote by Untangli.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 10/08/2026
I can never understand what's going on in the background that takes more than 48 hours to unsubscribe from newsletters. For such a simple process, it should be instant and automatic. But when they say "it takes x amount of time", something is off with that tech. 1/3
Screenshot of a newsletter unsubscription page by Tapi (a carpet company). The text says "Your Preference Have Been Updated. Please note: It may take up to 48 hours for any changes to be applied. We will continue to send you emails about delivery and order information regardless of your email subscription."
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 05/08/2026
Received: one email. Followed by a chat message to say an email had been sent. Followed by a comment on the document, in case the chat didn't land. Followed by a text message, from the same person, about the same brief.
Illustration of a browser-style window on a brown background, showing four separate notifications from the same colleague, all chasing up one project brief: a grey email titled 'Project brief to-do list', a green chat message saying she's just sent that email, a blue document comment checking it's been seen, and a dark green text message asking 'have you seen the...'. The Untangli logo sits below, illustrating how one simple update ends up repeated across four different channels.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 04/08/2026
I get the sense that running is becoming trendy. And with trends, comes new products, apps and clothes that one "must have" to be the best runner. For me, I'm just concerned about enjoying the actual running bit. I don't enjoy that part, but I do enjoy the post-run endorphins that comes with it.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 03/08/2026
For years I only used one project management tool at a time. Trello, then Evernote, back to Trello, now @notion.com. Never two running together, never a new one added without retiring the last.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 24/07/2025
I've noticed Goodreads has launched a new logo. Normally a rebrand sparks lots of discussion and pushback from loyal fans and design pros. I’m neither, but I do have thoughts on two claims from their blog. Let’s break it down. 🧵
The old and new Goodreads logo above one another. The top one is their old logo, which has a think 'good' and a slightly bolder 'reads' and in sans-serif font type. The bottom logo is their new one, which is a lot bolder throughout the logo and in a serif type font. The lower case g is supposedly symbolising a magnifying over an open book.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 14/07/2025
The conference paradox: I speak about accessibility on stage, then struggle to network afterwards due to the very barriers I just presented about. The irony is... a lot. 😅
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 04/07/2025
One of my favourite @netflix.com series is 'Somebody Feed Phil', fronted by Phil Rosenthal. He’s not to everyone’s taste, but to me he’s hilarious and seems like great fun to spend the day with…provided food was involved. 🧵
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 30/06/2025
A plea to all accessibility specialists: How do you currently track WCAG compliance across multiple clients/projects? I'm building a tool that I believe will help you to solve this and need 15-30 min convos with you. I can't pay you but in return, I want to offer discounted lifetime access 🙏
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 24/06/2025
It's not often I speak at an event where there is a sense of belonging amongst the attendees. That's what happened when I spoke at a recent Muslim Tech Fest. You can see and feel it, when people are comfortable with each other, knowing that we are all in it together.
Selfie of Ahmed who is smiling, mic'd up and standing in front of the Muslim Tech Fest stage.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 14/06/2025
One week (on 21st June 2025) today is Muslim Tech Fest , and if you haven't gotten your ticket, you can get one now using the following discount code: Ahmed Oh, how is my first name used as a discount code? 🧵
Muslim Tech Fest banner showing headshot of Ahmed Khalifa speaking at the event on 21st June 2025 about "When biased AI and lack of accessibility creates unwelcome experience". The session description is "has your AI ever fumbled on Islamic terms or misinterpreted your accent? Ahmed reveals how technical oversights become digital barriers for Muslim users. The discount code is Ahmed.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 12/06/2025
1/7: The buzz and debate around Apple's "Liquid Glass" is real, but there's one conversation missing. How will it clash with the going trend of logos and icons that already looking eerily similar as it is? 🧵
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 10/06/2025
Guess what happens when you've been a customer of a software company for a decade? You get to deliver a talk about accessibility. So of course, I had to bring my A-game for FreeAgent.
Ahmed, a black man wearing dark trouser, light blue shirt, brown jacket over it and an orange cap, is holding up an orange frame that is outlined with FreeAgent and LearnFest with animated clouds and icons. In the background, there is a big FreeAgent logo, bunting, boxes and a floor plant, symbolising that Ahmed is at a FreeAgent office.A closeup of Ahmed holding up an orange frame that is outlined with FreeAgent and LearnFest with animated clouds and icons. Also in that same orange frame is another man wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a white makeup on his face with a black star over one eye.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 08/05/2025
The danger for any companies using this tool is that they are culpable for any legal actions from having inaccessible websites, not Figma.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 01/05/2025
I first noticed the Muslim Tech Fest community last year and was really impressed by their sense of unity, drive and ambitions. Now, I have the honour of speaking at their event in London on 21st June 2025 about digital accessibility. [1/4]
Headshot of Ahmed Khalifa surrounded by graphics of red and black blocks. The text below reads "I'm speaking at MFT 2025" and there is a logo of Muslim Tech Fest 2025 London.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 25/04/2025
1/ It's official! The FTC has approved a $1M fine against accessiBe, an accessibility overlay company, for misleading claims about their products. This money may go to clients misled by their promises.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 15/04/2025
There is growing trend of vendors promising your products complete accessibility, which means it will be accessible to everyone (*cough* like accessibility overlays). But 100% accessibility is a myth. Here is why it’s impossible and what you should aim for instead: purplebyte.io/blog/100-per...
purplebyte.io
100% accessibility: why it’s a myth and what to aim for instead
Learn why achieving 100% accessibility is a myth and why practical strategies for continuous improvement and realistic accessibility goals is better.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 13/04/2025
A trio of simple pleasures that I love: coffee, book and lofi music all at the same time. Pure bliss.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 10/04/2025
Some of my most happiest place in the world is to be in the middle of nowhere, high up a big hill or mountain, on my gravel bike. Bonus if there's sunshine and blue sky...and yes, that can happen in Scotland. A huge benefit of living in this country is the number of places that fits this criteria.
Ahmed's point of view while sitting down, hand on one knee, on a grass beside a gravel path on high altitude. The sky is blue and the Edinburgh skyline is on the horizon. Directly opposite him is his gravel bike and a bottle of water.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 09/04/2025
Like many, I'm fascinated by AI and its potential. The latest trend of creating your own action figures and Studio Ghibli animations is mind-blowing! They're really impressive and highly realistic. But I am hesitant to jump on the trend. 🧵
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 01/04/2025
April Fool's Day can go in the bin 🚮
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 06/03/2025
I'm noticing a trend as we approach the European Accessibility Act in June 2025: agencies are suddenly claiming to be "experts" in web accessibility. Déjà vu, anyone? Think GDPR when agencies popped up everywhere, claiming expertise in data protection, even if they'd never mentioned it before.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 30/01/2025
I never thought I'd be living in a world where DEI is being blamed for causing a tragedy. So grim!
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 29/01/2025
What costs and ROI metrics should you consider for web accessibility? My latest blog post looks at all kinds of metrics that you can practically measure and track to maximise your accessibility investment.
purplebyte.io
The costs & ROI metrics to consider in web accessibility | PurpleByte
Learn about the costs and ROI metrics for implementing web accessibility to better understand how you can benchmark and monitor your metrics.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 24/01/2025
With DEI & accessibility cuts in major companies, being an ally matters more than ever. When they cut these positions, they didn't eliminate the need—they shifted it to everyone who builds, designs, or creates. Your role isn't optional. It never was.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 23/01/2025
For years, I've been using Goodreads and @thestorygraph.com at the same time for my book reading journey. But I've decided to break up with the former and commit to The Storygraph all the way. www.iamahmedkhalifa.com/broke-up-wit...
iamahmedkhalifa.com
Why I broke up with Goodreads (and using The StoryGraph instead)
Every time you log a book on Goodreads, you feed data into Amazon’s vast ecosystem while putting up with a stagnating platform. Your reading habits, interests, and the pace at which you consume books become valuable data points for the world’s largest retailer. For years, I ignored this
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 17/01/2025
Honestly, the amount of time I listen to Final Fantasy VII soundtrack in the background while I work...🎧 I love listening to various movies and videos games soundtrack while working. No lyrics to focus on, it's captivating yet not distracting, and gets you deeply focused. #FFVII
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 09/01/2025
Serious question: is it possible to be an ethical billionaire?
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 07/01/2025
1/9 A recent interaction between Amber Hinds (respected accessibility expert & CEO) and WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg has been shared, and it really baffles me. It reminds me of similar pushback I've received about accessibility from Matt when asking questions.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 04/01/2025
For years, I've been using Goodreads. And then I discovered @thestorygraph.com a few years ago and LOVE their process. After using the two platforms side-by-side, I've officially deleted my Goodreads account. It's not run by Amazon and it's looked after much better (even though it's just 3 people).
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 19/12/2024
Many people find the world of accessibility a bit intimidating and overwhelming. They often feel like they need to master WCAG, legislation, and ARIA completely. However, just learning and using a few simple techniques can make a big difference for most users. Small input can equal big impacts.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 12/12/2024
This comic strip by Chris Ruden perfectly captures the essence of accessibility and how it can benefit everyone. This is generally called "the curb cut effect". It is a phenomenon where solutions designed to help people with disabilities end up benefiting everyone.
A 4-box comic strip where the scene is set in a snowy setting. A man is shovelling snow off the stairs, which has a ramp beside it that is also covered in snow. A group of children are waiting for him to finish.

Scene 1: Wheelchair using child said "could you please shovel the ramp?"
Scene 2: The main, looking annoyed, replied "All these other kids are waiting to use the stairs. When I get through shovelling them off, then I will clear the ramp for you".
Scene 3: Wheelchair-using child then said "But if you shovel the ramp first, we can all get in".
Scene 4: The man stopped shovelling and said "...I never thought about it like that".
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Reposted by Ahmed Khalifa
Accessibility Awareness @a11yawareness.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Alt text is not the same as a photo caption. Captions are typically written to support a photo, and usually depend on users being able to see the photo. But alt text is meant to be the stand-in for the photo. The alt text is what a screen reader user gets in place of the photo.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 06/12/2024
I'm in no way saying that auto-caption is good, nor am I saying it's an end solution. It's a stop-gap and only does part of the job to making videos accessible. Now that I've put in that disclaimer: I could not fathom, not only having no closed captions, but also turning off auto-captions. Why?
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 06/12/2024
It doesn’t matter why you are designing what you are designing, there will always be a human on the other side. So design for real people, not perfect scenarios.
Large quotation icon with the quote "design for real people, not perfect scenarios". There is a Purple Byte logo at the bottom.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 05/12/2024
'tis the season where brands go over the top with their Christmas-themed content by making them so inaccessible. You don't have to be blind to realise that the text in the image is not readable, not just because of the colour contrast, but the heavy snow patterns in the background too.
The top half is a Christmas-themed banner where there is a heavy snow in the background and white text on front of it. The text (barely) reads “Cheers to a Dairy Merry Christmas 🎅🏻 Can you believe the time?! Neither can we. In any case, let's talk Crimbo deliveries. Our team work hard all year round to get some of the countries freshest milk from our dairy to your doorstep- and we want to ensure they have some time to rest and recharge with friends and family. With that in mind, your deliveries will be changing over the holidays. Click here to see when to expect your deliveries over Christmas & New Year.”

The bottom half of the image is the browser's web developer tool showing the HTML and how the title is in H4, and the CSS on the right is displaying how a background image has been used.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 04/12/2024
Nothing subliminal about this 😏
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Reposted by Ahmed Khalifa
Alexa Heinrich (she/her) @alexaheinrich.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I don't have much planned because my brain is basically mush by the time we make it to December. But here are some points I'd like to hammer home for folks: (1/4)
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 02/12/2024
One benefit of having a side project is how much it will expand your skills and mind. Today, I experimented with the settings.json in @vscode.dev. Granted, I didn't know how to use it but with the help of Claude, I managed create a setting that suits me... ...and save a ton of time in the process.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 25/11/2024
My early career was in SEO. But diving into web accessibility showed me how much these overlap. I've published an article exploring this deep connection between accessibility & search performance. But here are some insights: 🧵
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 22/11/2024
Bluesky CEO @jay.bsky.team says that Bluesky’s open design is intended to give users the options and control. “The billionaire proof is in the way everything is designed, and so if someone bought or if the Bluesky company went down, everything is open source." The power and beauty of open source 🙌🏽
cnbc.com
Bluesky CEO Jay Graber says X rival is 'billionaire proof'
Bluesky CEO Jay Graber told CNBC that the social media app's open design could thwart potential acquisition efforts.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 21/11/2024
Accessible design signals to your customers that you care about everyone. 💜 When your website works for everyone, it speaks louder than any mission statement.
Accessible design signals to your customers that you care about everyone. The Purple Byte logo is at the bottom.
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 20/11/2024
Oooh, that's a good one, mainly because this is legit one of my favourite place to be. Wait, does this mean Bluesky is... Me: "Stop it Ahmed! Don't get too clingy"
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Reposted by Ahmed Khalifa
Hunter D Phoenix 🐦‍🔥🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 @hunterdphoenix.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
I appreciate all of you who use the Alt-text description for the images you post. As a blind dude I feel so much more included here. For those of you who forget: Did you know there’s a reminder in Settings/Accessibility to toggle on & then it won’t let you post image without Alt-text. Thanks 🙏😎
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Ahmed Khalifa @iamahmedkhalifa.com · 19/11/2024
My glasses always stretches out and end up sliding down my nose a lot. It's very annoying to constantly push it up. Along with some adjustments, an optician at @specsaversuk.bsky.social told me it's better to remove glasses with two hands rather than one, as the latter can stretch it.
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